DAILY DIRT: Not in my wildest dreams would I have guessed the Nosferatu thing

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, April 8, 2025

And then there’s the “American Woman” thing … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,251 of The Daily Dirt.

1. I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to listening to song lyrics.

I mean REALLY listening to lyrics and absorbing what the song is trying to portray. I’m like most of those teenage dance contestants on the old “American Bandstand” shows when Dick Clark would ask, “What did you like about that song?” Nine out of every 10 would answer: “It had a good beat to dance to.”

Here’s one man’s opinion on some of the most misunderstood songs in pop music history:

1. “Born In The U.S.A.,” by Bruce Springsteen (1984): It only took me 20 to 30 years to realize The Boss had not provided us with a great new-age patriotic anthem. Actually, he was singing about the treatment of Vietnam war veterans.

2. “Total Eclipse Of The Heart,” by Bonnie Tyler (1983) : This one is totally off the wall. No, it’s not some dramatic love ballad, the song is a vampire love story for a Nosferatu musical. Whatever …

3. “Every Breath You Take,” by The Police (1983): Commonly interpreted as a nice, romantic song, it’s actually about obsessive surveillance and toxic control. Say what?

4. “American Woman,” by The Guess Who (1970): What comes across as a celebration of American women is an anti-war song criticizing U.S. politics and culture. Counterculture was a big deal when I was in high school, and that’s when this song came out. Like I said earlier, I was never one to necessarily grasp the big picture … but I was all for praising American women.

5. “Mother and Child Reunion,” by Paul Simon (1972): I’m pretty sure most have thought it dealt with some emotional relationship, when in reality it’s about the death of Simon’s pet dog.

Honorable mention: “London Calling,” by the Clash (1979): A punk anthem? Well … it actually dealt with climate change and severe flooding in London.

2. Did you know (Part 326)

That during TV coverage of The Masters — which is this weekend, by the way — “bird noises” are added in to the coverage by CBS, which feels it gives the event more of a “natural paradise” feel.

That actor Kevin James and Mick Foley were high school wrestling teammates. Injuries prevented James from pursuing a pro wrestling career, but Foley went on to become one of the true icons of the sport.

That 50 years ago today the top three songs in America were: 1. “My Eyes Adored You,” by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, 2. “Lady Marmalade,” by Patti LaBelle and 3. “Lovin’ You,” by Minnie Riperton.

That in the cowboy era of the old west, if you entered a saloon short on cash you could pay for it with a bullet. That’s where the term a “shot” of whiskey originated.

That Hidden Valley Ranch is launching five new flavors of salad dressing: Bleu Cheese Ranch, Sweet BBQ Ranch, Cilantro Lime Ranch, Kickin’ Cajun Blackened Ranch and Cracked Pepper Ranch.

3. We’re in kind of a musical mood today, so let’s keep the beat going.

I was never one to embrace some of those monstrously long rock songs from back in the day. Here are five examples of offerings from some of rock’s giants that never made it all the way through on my turntable. In no particular order:

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” by Pink Floyd: 26 minutes, 1 second: It was conceived and written as a tribute and remembrance to Pink Floyd founding member Syd Barrett. Barrett was eased out of the band in 1968 due to his LSD use and deteriorating mental health impairing his ability to integrate with the other band members in creating and performing music. I completely understand the complexity of these issues, but could there not have been … say, a 10-minute version? “Shine” is from the “Wish You Were Here” album.

“Supper’s Ready,” by Genesis: 22 minutes, 58 seconds: I like most of this group’s older efforts as much as any music fan, but come on! Peter Gabriel wrote the lyrics and it’s from the 1972 studio album “Foxtrot”.

“Karn Evil 9,” by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, 29 minutes, 36 seconds: From the “Brain Salad Surgery” album, the original title of the song was “Ganton 9,” a fictional planet where all evil and decadence had been thrown out. I once saw Emerson, Lake and Palmer in concert, and I can vouch that none of the songs were 29 minutes, 36 seconds in length.

“Mountain Jam,” by the Allman Brothers: 33 minutes, 41 seconds: The song features a lot of guitar solos — A LOT of guitar solos. You can find it on the “Eat A Peach” album.

“Thick As A Brick,” by Jethro Tull: 43 minutes, 50 seconds: Jethro Tull is Muddy River News companion Don Crim’s favorite group. This song was intended as a shot at critics who did not care for the group. Couldn’t that have been done in much less time? This song is from the progressive rock band’s 1972 album of the same name.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — When discussing longest rock songs, a popular choice is always Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” but that was “only” 17 minutes long. For the record, in junior high I bought the .45 that was only 2 minutes, 52 seconds. It was a song my parents absolutely hated, so I played it. A lot. Of course.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Don’t ask him about the Guardians right now. He’s just happy they are playing the White Sox.